It's kinda ridiculous how quickly things snowball.
I have been thinking about this blog since wednesday, and I know if I don't write it right this second I am going to let a week go by, and I just can't let that happen.
This week I started waking up with headaches again because I have been grinding my teeth again (a sign of my own stress levels) but to be honest I haven't been happier since I quit school.
The teeth grinding started almost 4 years ago, when I was working a million jobs, going to school full time, and heavily involved in church. I thought I had a brain tumor and was going to die when I went to the doctor. Stick out your tongue, he said. And when I did he immediately laughed and told me to see my dentist (apparently, when I opened my mouth there were signs on my back teeth of grinding... pretty gross huh?)
The silly part is that I am not truly happy until I am so stressed out with a full schedule that I am grinding my teeth. This week was full of staff meetings, networking for new dance things in San Jose, and other creative endeavors that I will talk more about once they get closer. But, on a whole, I am super stoked with what lies ahead.
On the blogging front, I have some super exciting news.
A Year ago I called my dad after a big career meltdown telling him I needed help finding a job. "What do you want to do?" asks dad. "I don't know", I replied! The answer from dad was so irritatingly easy I was angry I hadn't thought of it myself.
"Well, what would you do for free? That's what you SHOULD be doing. If you would do it for free, find someone who will pay you to do it... and that is your answer..."
This was long before I started blogging regularly, but the answer was definitely in my head... What would I do for free:
1)dance
2) write
3) sleep
Yea, right dad, like it's that easy. Well, 3 months later I was teaching dance and in a company in SF. And now, starting Sunday, I will officially be a paid blogger. That's right, readers! Number two of three has happened. Because I am still working out the kinks, I cannot give out the link today of the new blog, but just know, it's gonna be awesome! And I will still be writing here as promised, but it is official, and as much as I hate saying it: Dad was right. I was even leaving work the other day prepping for my big new project, and said to my friend/ collaborator "So this is it? I am officially a blogger now?" and she said back to me "Oh Natalie, you have ALWAYS been a writer" which pretty much made my day.
Dad says live the life you love... Now who wants to hire me to sleep and bake? I'll send you my resume right now :)
About Me
- Captain Q.
- I am who I am. Love it or hate it, I only change for me, for self improvement, and Self-assurance.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Shut it and Serve: The end of the week thoughts
I have often tried to figure out what makes a well-rounded person.
I know, it sounds ridiculous, but my parents spent many hours and dollars, shoving my sister, brother and I out of so many extra curricular activities that people are AMAZED at how many different instruments, sports, and other random skills I have (Karate, anyone?) This isn't the point. When on our way to and from this multitude of education, we often whined in the back seat WHY? Why mom, why do I have to sit in the back seat with my dumb sister and take piano between girl scouts and softball? All my friends are at home watching Real World. Well, my mother would look into her rearview mirror and explain that we must try everything, even if it is just once, because this will help us to be well-rounded individuals. We were, at almost all times, enrolled in a sport, instrument, and community organization of some form or another until we were old enough to refuse and pick one: my sister in sports, myself in Performing arts, and my brother in music.
Is this what makes a good well-rounded person? While this very well may be a start, i feel as though i have had some insight tonight to the other piece of the puzzle. Tonight i attended a launch party for San Jose's chamber of Commerce field guide to service. The guest speaker, so charming and bubbly had a lot of good things to say about community and san jose as a whole, but she had an analogy that i wished painted a clear picture for me about. While she had a lot to say that I took away with me tonight, her analogy was, "sometimes, when I walk my dog, I bring an extra bag with me and pick up a bag of garbage. Will that end world hunger? No, but I am hoping to do my part, and maybe inspire others to do their part...."
It was in that moment that I really think I found a solution: Service. Here's why: I have a group of friends, my age and a few older, ok, they are mostly older but not by much. and male.... and pilots, and they have a PASSION for crabbing about the state of the union.
Now, my mother might argue that they have a right to crab because they voted, but if there is a group of us younger americans that are skeptical and believe that the system is flawed... And in my own logic, and experience in working in groups, and the interest of cliches.... "if you want something done, you have to do it yourself"...
So what is my conclusion. It is obvious to ME that my system is flawed, but these bunch of nay-sayers who I love are missing the key ingredient: service. While you may work in a job that serves (pilots, teachers, etc.) that is just never enough! And, since I was raised in a very BUSY household (see extra- curriculars above), it does not make sense to sit and gripe.... at what point do we turn our distresses into action? and who will do it? If your answer to that question is "Not I" then I'm sorry, you have revolked all your rights to useless crabbing. Voting is not enough anymore. Action is the new bitching, because if you are going to sit and cry about it the way generations before us did... well then, you are going to end up with well, what we have now, which is obviously not ideal.
I have worked many odd jobs, from teaching and TA-ing, to backbar, event planning and catering, but the one common theme is that they have all, in some way, been a job of service, giving back and people oriented. And, while I am fairly new at this "no school to consume my whole life thing", I can honestly say that some of the most deep and meaningful friendships I have made have been with people working towards a common goal.
If you need help finding I place that needs your help, and sparks your interest, I can now help you find a place. And no more complaining. Anne Frank wrote, "How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Mother Theresa said "If you can't feed 100 people, feed one." Michael Jackson said "If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make the change."
I hope we can all continue to round ourselves out.
I know, it sounds ridiculous, but my parents spent many hours and dollars, shoving my sister, brother and I out of so many extra curricular activities that people are AMAZED at how many different instruments, sports, and other random skills I have (Karate, anyone?) This isn't the point. When on our way to and from this multitude of education, we often whined in the back seat WHY? Why mom, why do I have to sit in the back seat with my dumb sister and take piano between girl scouts and softball? All my friends are at home watching Real World. Well, my mother would look into her rearview mirror and explain that we must try everything, even if it is just once, because this will help us to be well-rounded individuals. We were, at almost all times, enrolled in a sport, instrument, and community organization of some form or another until we were old enough to refuse and pick one: my sister in sports, myself in Performing arts, and my brother in music.
Is this what makes a good well-rounded person? While this very well may be a start, i feel as though i have had some insight tonight to the other piece of the puzzle. Tonight i attended a launch party for San Jose's chamber of Commerce field guide to service. The guest speaker, so charming and bubbly had a lot of good things to say about community and san jose as a whole, but she had an analogy that i wished painted a clear picture for me about. While she had a lot to say that I took away with me tonight, her analogy was, "sometimes, when I walk my dog, I bring an extra bag with me and pick up a bag of garbage. Will that end world hunger? No, but I am hoping to do my part, and maybe inspire others to do their part...."
It was in that moment that I really think I found a solution: Service. Here's why: I have a group of friends, my age and a few older, ok, they are mostly older but not by much. and male.... and pilots, and they have a PASSION for crabbing about the state of the union.
Now, my mother might argue that they have a right to crab because they voted, but if there is a group of us younger americans that are skeptical and believe that the system is flawed... And in my own logic, and experience in working in groups, and the interest of cliches.... "if you want something done, you have to do it yourself"...
So what is my conclusion. It is obvious to ME that my system is flawed, but these bunch of nay-sayers who I love are missing the key ingredient: service. While you may work in a job that serves (pilots, teachers, etc.) that is just never enough! And, since I was raised in a very BUSY household (see extra- curriculars above), it does not make sense to sit and gripe.... at what point do we turn our distresses into action? and who will do it? If your answer to that question is "Not I" then I'm sorry, you have revolked all your rights to useless crabbing. Voting is not enough anymore. Action is the new bitching, because if you are going to sit and cry about it the way generations before us did... well then, you are going to end up with well, what we have now, which is obviously not ideal.
I have worked many odd jobs, from teaching and TA-ing, to backbar, event planning and catering, but the one common theme is that they have all, in some way, been a job of service, giving back and people oriented. And, while I am fairly new at this "no school to consume my whole life thing", I can honestly say that some of the most deep and meaningful friendships I have made have been with people working towards a common goal.
If you need help finding I place that needs your help, and sparks your interest, I can now help you find a place. And no more complaining. Anne Frank wrote, "How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Mother Theresa said "If you can't feed 100 people, feed one." Michael Jackson said "If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make the change."
I hope we can all continue to round ourselves out.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Resolutions, promises, and adventures
I Resolved to write once a week in my blog: BROKEN. No matter how hard I try, sometimes I have low points. I don't Just mean a typical gloomy day.
I had a communication teacher once tell me emotions are like a pendulum. The harder you love, laugh, and smile, the inverse is true also. So, while I mostly am in a secure spot of comfort and stability (one year later, if you read last years posts...) There are still days, no, minutes, where I throw myself onto the floor, question all my life's choices, and cry. UGLY cry. To the point where I see on my roommate or boyfriends face (depending on what venue I have selected for these theatrics) looks at me as if I am insane, and then steps over me and waits patiently for me to finish. As I write this, I can almost hear my dad chuckling, because these fits have not changed at all since I was a terrible 2, 13, or 18.
But it's true, and when I think my updates are going to sound like a self-loathing baby, I refrain. But. No more excuses, One update a week. AT least! FOR REAL THIS TIME.
I have also been reflecting a lot about the rest of my life. While I was soooo busy over the holiday I never blogged (oops!) I found myself more happy then I have been in quite sometime.
I have been drawn back to the blog for one reason in particular today: Documentation. and REAL accountability.
My roommate and I have been living together now for 6 years. Every year we say we are going to climb half dome, since I could remember... and it has YET to happen. For no good reason at all we say we will do it in summer every year, and every year we get to our holiday that we made up (yes... we made up a holiday, we are that awesome. We are SO cool that not only did we make it up, but someone later tried to steal it and miserably failed, but that is a different story...) and say, "Oh no! We did everything EXCEPT that yosemite thing"
While I KNOW we can do it, I feel there is a certain amount of training that goes into the hike if you want to enjoy it. Anyone can hike it, yes, but it is a long drive from Yosemite back to San Jose, and the less amount of pain I can be in, the better. So we have started our prep. And this year, we are going to do it!
For christmas this year Roommate gave me a new book... 60 hikes in 60 miles. It is, as it suggests, 60 parks and trails in a 60 mile radius of my house. The challenge is this: Commit to one a month (probably more as we get closer to a date) and hike the trail.
We are thinking if we go in august, that is 8 hikes: 2 easy, 4 moderate, 2 hard... minimum. Our first hike got us pretty excited, and we know have a running list of supplies we need, maps, and pictures.
The one thing I will say about our first hike (almost 2 weeks ago) was I got lucky. Not only does our book accurately navigate the trail, but San Jose is one of the only places I think you can drive 15 miles out of civilization and be passing a swedish commune and next to a waterfall. I am stoked to reflect, share, and invite anyone out their on the journey that will become Yosemite 2011
I had a communication teacher once tell me emotions are like a pendulum. The harder you love, laugh, and smile, the inverse is true also. So, while I mostly am in a secure spot of comfort and stability (one year later, if you read last years posts...) There are still days, no, minutes, where I throw myself onto the floor, question all my life's choices, and cry. UGLY cry. To the point where I see on my roommate or boyfriends face (depending on what venue I have selected for these theatrics) looks at me as if I am insane, and then steps over me and waits patiently for me to finish. As I write this, I can almost hear my dad chuckling, because these fits have not changed at all since I was a terrible 2, 13, or 18.
But it's true, and when I think my updates are going to sound like a self-loathing baby, I refrain. But. No more excuses, One update a week. AT least! FOR REAL THIS TIME.
I have also been reflecting a lot about the rest of my life. While I was soooo busy over the holiday I never blogged (oops!) I found myself more happy then I have been in quite sometime.
I have been drawn back to the blog for one reason in particular today: Documentation. and REAL accountability.
My roommate and I have been living together now for 6 years. Every year we say we are going to climb half dome, since I could remember... and it has YET to happen. For no good reason at all we say we will do it in summer every year, and every year we get to our holiday that we made up (yes... we made up a holiday, we are that awesome. We are SO cool that not only did we make it up, but someone later tried to steal it and miserably failed, but that is a different story...) and say, "Oh no! We did everything EXCEPT that yosemite thing"
While I KNOW we can do it, I feel there is a certain amount of training that goes into the hike if you want to enjoy it. Anyone can hike it, yes, but it is a long drive from Yosemite back to San Jose, and the less amount of pain I can be in, the better. So we have started our prep. And this year, we are going to do it!
For christmas this year Roommate gave me a new book... 60 hikes in 60 miles. It is, as it suggests, 60 parks and trails in a 60 mile radius of my house. The challenge is this: Commit to one a month (probably more as we get closer to a date) and hike the trail.
We are thinking if we go in august, that is 8 hikes: 2 easy, 4 moderate, 2 hard... minimum. Our first hike got us pretty excited, and we know have a running list of supplies we need, maps, and pictures.
The one thing I will say about our first hike (almost 2 weeks ago) was I got lucky. Not only does our book accurately navigate the trail, but San Jose is one of the only places I think you can drive 15 miles out of civilization and be passing a swedish commune and next to a waterfall. I am stoked to reflect, share, and invite anyone out their on the journey that will become Yosemite 2011
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The most wonderful time of the YEAR and my grandfather, Patrick Stewart
The time is now, Friends.
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know how I feel about habits... I have continued to stress about needing habit, floundered around the past year of being out of school, and been asking myself what the HECK am I going to do with myself in these next years? What Am I going to do with my life in order bring Dance and art back into the south bay.
And while I can sit here and stress, I like to stop and savor the few things I know to be fact:
1) The sun Rises in the east and sets in the west
2) Gary Masters Willl ALWAYS hold class
3) When the leaves change colors, Apple Hill will ALWAYS be a drive away.
For those of you who don't know, Gary Masters is a mentor of mine for college. The joke is that every other teacher at LEAST once a semester would inevitably cancel class for one reason or another, except Gary. One semester his company was performing and more than half of the faculty was out because they were all in his show. Not Gary, I banked on the fact that he would be there, and when to his surprise I dropped in on an early morning class I shared with him what I knew about the sun and how he would always have class. He sorta rolled his eyes at me, but I could see his smug look on his face when he walked away.
... I should find out when his classes are this semester.
More personally, If you don;t know what apple hill is, you should. One of Northern California's best kept secrets is east of sacramento, and the memories I have of it are that of normal children to Disneyland. My Papa lived in the mountains in colfax, and every year in october for the family Birthdays (and papa's birthday too), we would make the drive to Apple Hill. And every year when the colors start to change, I start to itch waiting for the weekend I can sneak up the hill for a fresh carmel apple and a pound of honey in celebration of one of my favorite seasons.
My papa, a legend in his own right, was another great contribution to me. A combination of popeye and captain Crunch, Yuel Brenner and Patrick Stewart, My grandfather the ex marine could have made me famous for his one liners, a la "Shit my dad says". But more importantly are his spunk, no nonsense attitude, and harsh realities that Keeps him in the front of my brain these past few days.
In my life of recent insecurities, I have found that I always have my biggest support system with me all the time... In the changing colors of the leaves, in the sunrise through my window in the morning, in the first bite of a crisp, fresh october apple. And even on my crappiest days, in my darkest hours, I can hear "mississippi mud" in my head, and a small weight gets lifted off my Heart.
And I'm counting down the month til I get to return to Apple Hill!
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know how I feel about habits... I have continued to stress about needing habit, floundered around the past year of being out of school, and been asking myself what the HECK am I going to do with myself in these next years? What Am I going to do with my life in order bring Dance and art back into the south bay.
And while I can sit here and stress, I like to stop and savor the few things I know to be fact:
1) The sun Rises in the east and sets in the west
2) Gary Masters Willl ALWAYS hold class
3) When the leaves change colors, Apple Hill will ALWAYS be a drive away.
For those of you who don't know, Gary Masters is a mentor of mine for college. The joke is that every other teacher at LEAST once a semester would inevitably cancel class for one reason or another, except Gary. One semester his company was performing and more than half of the faculty was out because they were all in his show. Not Gary, I banked on the fact that he would be there, and when to his surprise I dropped in on an early morning class I shared with him what I knew about the sun and how he would always have class. He sorta rolled his eyes at me, but I could see his smug look on his face when he walked away.
... I should find out when his classes are this semester.
More personally, If you don;t know what apple hill is, you should. One of Northern California's best kept secrets is east of sacramento, and the memories I have of it are that of normal children to Disneyland. My Papa lived in the mountains in colfax, and every year in october for the family Birthdays (and papa's birthday too), we would make the drive to Apple Hill. And every year when the colors start to change, I start to itch waiting for the weekend I can sneak up the hill for a fresh carmel apple and a pound of honey in celebration of one of my favorite seasons.
My papa, a legend in his own right, was another great contribution to me. A combination of popeye and captain Crunch, Yuel Brenner and Patrick Stewart, My grandfather the ex marine could have made me famous for his one liners, a la "Shit my dad says". But more importantly are his spunk, no nonsense attitude, and harsh realities that Keeps him in the front of my brain these past few days.
In my life of recent insecurities, I have found that I always have my biggest support system with me all the time... In the changing colors of the leaves, in the sunrise through my window in the morning, in the first bite of a crisp, fresh october apple. And even on my crappiest days, in my darkest hours, I can hear "mississippi mud" in my head, and a small weight gets lifted off my Heart.
And I'm counting down the month til I get to return to Apple Hill!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
A final Plea: why you need to donate to Dance in Transit
I am in my last hours before dance in transit the fundraiser on kickstarter closes. I have yet to make my goal and think/KNOW that if only people KNEW how important this kind of event was, they would give. So this is it, my final plea: I am about to give you THREE huge reasons why not just you, but EVERYONE you know, should be donating to dance in transit.
First of all, have you read the news lately? Times are tough. And that is the BEST way to say it. The economy is down, there are doubts about our leaders, and lots of rules and regulations either passed or in progress do not make sense to the masses. ITs rough. It is time to take a stance and have a voice.
If you look at the past, (because history tends to repeat itself), some of the greatest pieces of art, dance, and music, have come from the crappiest parts of history. Have you ever HEARD gospel music? Its roots come from years of struggling and slavery, and the sound moves a soul to a place of goosebumps and tears? Jazz? Same thing. and more IMPORTANTLY than that, artist have often been the only ones brave enough to say what the REST of society is thinking. By you donating, you are not only saying, "Yes, art is important," but you are saying "I have a voice, I care about this community, and I support it." You are giving life to a creative self expression.
Secondly, this may not be a good enough reason for you. You might say "I have a voice, I vote." and good for you... BUT as we all know sometimes that isn't enough. And I wish I could tell you the power of dance, or ANY art for that matter, but I can't. I can't take all of you into my classroom of 90% "at risk" students and show you how a semester of hip hop brought them closer. I can't show you the kids who were labeled "Troubled" or "not smart" in my classes expressing themselves in ways that they could never do before I offered to teach there. But it happened, and you have to believe me when I say that dance incorporates all the important components of being a well rounded human. It teaches you to think outside the box. It teaches you to think on your feet. It teaches you that there are other ways to express yourselves then throwing rocks and sticks, or verbally abusing someone because you are having a bad day. It teaches people to work as a team, individually, and come together to produce something great. For a cause much higher then themselves. By stifling these programs, we are not a part of the solution. And it looks to me so far that, we could use some new solutions. I'm not saying Dance is the answer, but it certainly helps.
Now, Lastly... I find it hard/ sad to have even needed to write this much about Dance in transit. The truth is, I shouldn't have to. Of course I need to sell people on a business idea, but I have written countless press releases, multiple statements, and if you are taking the time to read this, chances are my job has already been done for the most part. When I first graduated, I wanted to go to New york. But that dream became less and less appealing when I thought about why I thought I needed to go there. San Jose is the 10th largest city in the nation. It is my home that I LOVE IT. And I know if you are reading this you probably live here and also love it. And if that is the case, you are also probably making money doing some form of career. And getting paid for it. Well, I want that too. I want to be able to wake up in the city I love and be paid for my skill set, Just like everyone else. Sure, I could move to New york or San Francisco, but I shouldn't have to. San Jose is already claiming to be so advanced in its politics, technology and business.... why can't we just be advanced in our art scene too?
... That's where you come in.
Dance in Transit helps with all these things. It nurtures dance in a community that doesn't NEED it, but DESERVES it. It gives San Jose a spot on the map in yet another field, rounding out the community, giving an outlet for performers that are ALREADY are in existence, and shows the next generation of artists that it we DO love them and we DON't want them to go to those other cities because ours is just as cool.
It could be great. It could be really great. And really awesome OTHER things could come out of it. But if I don't make this goal, I personally can't continue to create this venue as quickly...
..... So won't you PLEASE donate to Dance in Transit?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/316656906/dance-in-transit-an-outdoor-site-specific-dance-fe
First of all, have you read the news lately? Times are tough. And that is the BEST way to say it. The economy is down, there are doubts about our leaders, and lots of rules and regulations either passed or in progress do not make sense to the masses. ITs rough. It is time to take a stance and have a voice.
If you look at the past, (because history tends to repeat itself), some of the greatest pieces of art, dance, and music, have come from the crappiest parts of history. Have you ever HEARD gospel music? Its roots come from years of struggling and slavery, and the sound moves a soul to a place of goosebumps and tears? Jazz? Same thing. and more IMPORTANTLY than that, artist have often been the only ones brave enough to say what the REST of society is thinking. By you donating, you are not only saying, "Yes, art is important," but you are saying "I have a voice, I care about this community, and I support it." You are giving life to a creative self expression.
Secondly, this may not be a good enough reason for you. You might say "I have a voice, I vote." and good for you... BUT as we all know sometimes that isn't enough. And I wish I could tell you the power of dance, or ANY art for that matter, but I can't. I can't take all of you into my classroom of 90% "at risk" students and show you how a semester of hip hop brought them closer. I can't show you the kids who were labeled "Troubled" or "not smart" in my classes expressing themselves in ways that they could never do before I offered to teach there. But it happened, and you have to believe me when I say that dance incorporates all the important components of being a well rounded human. It teaches you to think outside the box. It teaches you to think on your feet. It teaches you that there are other ways to express yourselves then throwing rocks and sticks, or verbally abusing someone because you are having a bad day. It teaches people to work as a team, individually, and come together to produce something great. For a cause much higher then themselves. By stifling these programs, we are not a part of the solution. And it looks to me so far that, we could use some new solutions. I'm not saying Dance is the answer, but it certainly helps.
Now, Lastly... I find it hard/ sad to have even needed to write this much about Dance in transit. The truth is, I shouldn't have to. Of course I need to sell people on a business idea, but I have written countless press releases, multiple statements, and if you are taking the time to read this, chances are my job has already been done for the most part. When I first graduated, I wanted to go to New york. But that dream became less and less appealing when I thought about why I thought I needed to go there. San Jose is the 10th largest city in the nation. It is my home that I LOVE IT. And I know if you are reading this you probably live here and also love it. And if that is the case, you are also probably making money doing some form of career. And getting paid for it. Well, I want that too. I want to be able to wake up in the city I love and be paid for my skill set, Just like everyone else. Sure, I could move to New york or San Francisco, but I shouldn't have to. San Jose is already claiming to be so advanced in its politics, technology and business.... why can't we just be advanced in our art scene too?
... That's where you come in.
Dance in Transit helps with all these things. It nurtures dance in a community that doesn't NEED it, but DESERVES it. It gives San Jose a spot on the map in yet another field, rounding out the community, giving an outlet for performers that are ALREADY are in existence, and shows the next generation of artists that it we DO love them and we DON't want them to go to those other cities because ours is just as cool.
It could be great. It could be really great. And really awesome OTHER things could come out of it. But if I don't make this goal, I personally can't continue to create this venue as quickly...
..... So won't you PLEASE donate to Dance in Transit?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/316656906/dance-in-transit-an-outdoor-site-specific-dance-fe
Monday, August 30, 2010
High maintenance friend, moi
I do not claim to be low maintenance in the least.
In fact I often joke with my boyfriend that he will try and get rid of me as soon as he realizes HOW high maintenance I actually am... This of course, is funny because he knew me BEFORE we started dating me, and Still thinks I am fantastic (for some reason even I cannot explain). What I think is funny is when people (girls in particular) cannot, as I call "identify the crazy". And for this I repeatedly apologize to my man friends, who are now under the impression I am LESS Looney because I do not think I am always right, and have an ability to identify the crazy?
What does this mean? Well, I am on the last few days of my alcoholic abstinence, I can sum up a few things: 1) giving up alcohol saves you money, but not necessarily weight (depending on what you use to substitute your drink... in my case, pretzel M&M's) 2) If you choose not to drink when you go out, the social aspect of it is all in your head. I went out to bars on many occassions during this project, and ordered a diet coke... No one cared. It was when I DIDN't have anything in my hand that people would make a fuss. I think the point is, when someone walks into your house, you offer them a drink (water or otherwise), if you are at a restaurant, you get water... if you are in a bar cupless, it doesn't matter if you are drinking white lightening or water, your company just wants you to be comfortable (which apparently equates to hydrated... who knew?)
And as a side note, I am going to be meditating the next few days (til friday) on what my next month long project will be, and if I will start it in September, or if I will wait til october when Dance in Transit has passed. I have been thinking of a few different ideas, and here are the ones I have liked the most:
1) Run once a day for the next two months (in prep for a mud race I might be running at the end of Oct.)
2) Take a picture everyday for one month (this will MAKE me post daily, and also force me to get a new Camera)
3) Wear one band t-shirt a day for a whole month (thinking this may be better for october)
4) Talk to one new person a day (forcing me to get out from behind the computer)
Of course all weigh ins are welcomed, and while I am hoping to post before I do take on another endeavor, I feel it is only appropriate to talk about the glassware...
My father tells this story at almost any dinner party (or at least he used to) and this year for my birthday I passed it onto a select few who came to celebrate with me. In the days of Kings and Queens, before a meal was ate, the king would pour his beverage into the glass of the man on his right, and that man would pass it to his right, until the beverage had made it all the way around the table. This practice was a ritual to take precaution in case someone might have tried to poison the king, they would also be poisoning the entire court. The clinking of glasses happens now, because this is the sound the glasses made when the drink was being poured from glass to glass now. We cheers to our health, our family, and the loyalty of our friends who would drink from your same cup, with you in your homes.
While I recognize to be high maintenance, I cheers to my loyal readers who I am flattered even continue to support and hate on everything I do. I wouldn't be doing my job correctly if I weren't stirring up some emotion, be it wanting to see James bond on cinema, or running to tell my grandmother I am obsessed with liquor... either way I have charmed or disgusted my way into your brains!
Salute!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
One Bourbon, Scotch, and Beer
Life is about choices... I've been told.
Recently, I have not been good with those. Specifically, the fact that I get crazy after drinking one cup of coffee, and I have just now ordered a HUGE Philz Mint Mojito, which is promising to keep me up til tuesday (I have drink 3/4's of it, and am already in panic mode... That's what happens when I drink coffee)
I woke up to a sun shiny, day, singing a catchy little tune in my head, got half way through my coffee, and all of a sudden my brain went....
HOLY COW, NAT Q!!!!! YOU ARE 2GRAND IN THE HOLE AND THREE WEEKS FROM THE BIGGEST EVENT OF YOUR CAREER.
Isn't it funny how caffine effects people?
I have been told faith is a hundred percent trust and surrender. I didn't invest this money thinking I wouldn't make it back (PEople DO care about the arts, I know... They just don't know it yet I feel.) The thing of it is, is that it is defined in so many ways.
Think about Apple. Why are they so successful? They are Creative with their ads, products, and continue to push the envelope... ALWAYS. People thinks Steve Jobs is crazy and his products are mindblowing....
THAT IS ART, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
While you think that silly brain in your hand that you HAVE to have the latest version of is an iphone and pioneering technology, It has take years of testing creative solving, and aesthetics to get it just perfect so it fits conveniently into your back pocket... It's a work of art.
Back to analogies. I have always had issues with trust (I think starting when I had a bad boyfriend experience at 16), and so it is really hard for me to surrender the idea that I will infact, meet my fundraising goal (and surpass it in 12 days). Trust is knowing your car headlight only shine 200 feet in front of you, and yet you drive 50 miles from SF to SJ at 10 at night... I make this drive twice a week at least.
"But Nat Q, you know that this works because you can also see the lights of people in front of you on your journey with you."
Well, that i the trust part. I have seen other pioneers, Martha, Twyla, I would even say Brenda Way, KT Nelson, Tawnya, and Gary are pioneers. I can see those headlights, I just gotta pace myself so they don't fall out of sight?
What does the title have to do with this post? because I have been true to my word, No alcohol for the past 26 days, but after the coffee, I am ready for all three of these, Just like George... But not quite
Speaking of choices, The last time I had my own rendition of a BSB, I did not make good choices (I was 22) And here is that recipie... I think it's called a skittle... Please drink with caution...
(And if you want to help donate to DIT, just click the link on the side of my blog... please?)
Skittle mixed drink
3 count Raspberry Vodka
3 count Sierra Mist
1 count Orange Liquor
In that order, Serve over ice... Taste the rainbow.
ALSO: New friends (sorta) I love photos, and I had the pleasure of working with a fellow blogger recently... She takes GORGEOUS picture... and this is the link to her website! Happy browsing!
http://chubbphotos.blogspot.com/2010/08/natalie-q.html#comment-form
Recently, I have not been good with those. Specifically, the fact that I get crazy after drinking one cup of coffee, and I have just now ordered a HUGE Philz Mint Mojito, which is promising to keep me up til tuesday (I have drink 3/4's of it, and am already in panic mode... That's what happens when I drink coffee)
I woke up to a sun shiny, day, singing a catchy little tune in my head, got half way through my coffee, and all of a sudden my brain went....
HOLY COW, NAT Q!!!!! YOU ARE 2GRAND IN THE HOLE AND THREE WEEKS FROM THE BIGGEST EVENT OF YOUR CAREER.
Isn't it funny how caffine effects people?
I have been told faith is a hundred percent trust and surrender. I didn't invest this money thinking I wouldn't make it back (PEople DO care about the arts, I know... They just don't know it yet I feel.) The thing of it is, is that it is defined in so many ways.
Think about Apple. Why are they so successful? They are Creative with their ads, products, and continue to push the envelope... ALWAYS. People thinks Steve Jobs is crazy and his products are mindblowing....
THAT IS ART, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
While you think that silly brain in your hand that you HAVE to have the latest version of is an iphone and pioneering technology, It has take years of testing creative solving, and aesthetics to get it just perfect so it fits conveniently into your back pocket... It's a work of art.
Back to analogies. I have always had issues with trust (I think starting when I had a bad boyfriend experience at 16), and so it is really hard for me to surrender the idea that I will infact, meet my fundraising goal (and surpass it in 12 days). Trust is knowing your car headlight only shine 200 feet in front of you, and yet you drive 50 miles from SF to SJ at 10 at night... I make this drive twice a week at least.
"But Nat Q, you know that this works because you can also see the lights of people in front of you on your journey with you."
Well, that i the trust part. I have seen other pioneers, Martha, Twyla, I would even say Brenda Way, KT Nelson, Tawnya, and Gary are pioneers. I can see those headlights, I just gotta pace myself so they don't fall out of sight?
What does the title have to do with this post? because I have been true to my word, No alcohol for the past 26 days, but after the coffee, I am ready for all three of these, Just like George... But not quite
Speaking of choices, The last time I had my own rendition of a BSB, I did not make good choices (I was 22) And here is that recipie... I think it's called a skittle... Please drink with caution...
(And if you want to help donate to DIT, just click the link on the side of my blog... please?)
Skittle mixed drink
3 count Raspberry Vodka
3 count Sierra Mist
1 count Orange Liquor
In that order, Serve over ice... Taste the rainbow.
ALSO: New friends (sorta) I love photos, and I had the pleasure of working with a fellow blogger recently... She takes GORGEOUS picture... and this is the link to her website! Happy browsing!
http://chubbphotos.blogspot.com/2010/08/natalie-q.html#comment-form
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